ST. ALBANS — The Vermont Maple Pageant is simply across the nook — April 28-30 — and native retailers and group members are inspired to take part within the occasion’s quite a few contests.
Window adorning contest
Native retailers might help make downtown look festive by adorning their store home windows by Wednesday, April 19. The theme for 2023 is “Maple – The guts of Vermont.” Taking part companies will obtain $25 to assist with the price of decorations.
Vermont maple have to be seen/used throughout the show. Judging might be primarily based on some extent scale as follows — Theme: 40 factors, Uniqueness: 30 factors, Look: 30 factors.
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Judging will happen Thursday, April 27. Prizes for first, second and third place embody gallons of maple syrup and “bragging rights.” The successful home windows can even be displayed on the Vermont Maple Pageant web site and Fb web page, and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s Fb web page.
Please fill out the entry kind at www.vtmaplefestival.org/contests and return it to Michelle Deslandes, 1914 Sheldon Highway, Apt A, St. Albans, VT 05478 or mdandld@comcast.web by Monday, April 10 to be on the judges record.
Sappy Artwork contest
This exhibit is open to Vermont artists working in any two-dimensional or three-dimensional media. For inclusion within the exhibit, work should mirror this 12 months’s theme: “Maple – The guts of Vermont.”
Every bit of paintings should not be bigger than 11×14 (measurement doesn’t embody the body). Money prizes might be awarded for Better of Present, in addition to 1st, 2nd and third place. Honorable Point out awards can even be given in every of the next classes:
Course of
Individuals
Scenic
Utilizing Maple Syrup
Chances are you’ll submit just one piece of paintings per class, with a most of 4 items. All paintings have to be framed and wired, prepared to hold. Entry labels have to be hooked up to the again of your body within the higher left nook.
Register each bit of paintings on-line at www. vtframeshop.com/sappy by April 15, 2023. Entry labels and stock sheet might be emailed to you upon completion of your on-line registration.
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The stock sheet have to be signed and delivered to the Village Body Shoppe alongside together with your paintings on one of many drop-off dates.
Beginner images contest
This contest is for Vermont beginner photographers.
Any {photograph} of maple sugaring is eligible and photographs should not have to be taken inside any time restrict. The theme for this contest, and its 4 classes, is “Maple – The guts of Vermont.”
Chances are you’ll submit as much as two photographs per class for a most of eight (8) photographs taken by you. The classes are: Course of (e.g., buckets, boilers, boiling, cleanup, horses, and many others.), Individuals (e.g., sugar makers, helpers, cooks, canners, horse handlers, and many others.), Scenic (e.g., over-all scene of a sugar home, the woods with sap buckets, and many others.), Maple Syrup Being Used (e.g., Consuming maple sweet, sugar on snow, maple syrup on meals and in drinks, and many others. Maple syrup/merchandise must be seen within the picture.)
Entries should be 8×10 pictures, colour or black and white, that have to be flush mounted on a mount board, or mounted with a photograph mat with an 8×10 opening. Don’t body your prints for this contest.
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The judges might choose as much as 8 successful photographs. General Better of Present, 1st, 2nd and third place. An honorable point out might be awarded for every class. Better of Present winner will obtain a $100 award together with a $50 Present Certificates to Village Body Shoppe.
Entry deadline is 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 25. Join at www.vtmaplefestival.org/contests.
Emma Hodgson 24-point performance leads Essex girls basketball to win
Emma Hodgson was dominant in the paint, scoring 24 points leading Essex girls basketball to the champions game in the MMU Holiday tournament.
The 2024-2025 Vermont high school winter season has begun. See below for scores, schedules and game details (statistical leaders, game notes) from basketball, hockey, gymnastics, wrestling, Nordic/Alpine skiing and other winter sports.
TO REPORT SCORES
Coaches or team representatives are asked to report results ASAP after games by emailing sports@burlingtonfreepress.com. Please submit with a name/contact number.
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►Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter:@aabrami5.
►Contact Judith Altneu at jaltneu@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.
Vermont is famous for many reasons. Between 19th-century covered bridges steeped in history, gorgeous mountainous backdrops, and being the top maple syrup producer in the US, there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with The Green Mountain State. With their incredible scenery, architectural gems, and mouthwatering delicacies, these towns have extraordinary centers to explore. Whether you start with the historic art spaces of Brattleboro or the tale-ridden landmarks of Stowe, discover the best downtowns in Vermont.
Burlington
Festival of Fool in Burlington, Vermont. Editorial credit: John Zegar / Shutterstock.com.
Not only is Burlington, also referred to as “The Queen City,” a wonderful winter sports destination surrounded by five ski areas—but the beautiful city also has a charming downtown area with pedestrian-only streets and quaint boutiques that will capture your heart.
Church Street Marketplace, a bustling open-air mall known for its historic architecture, has over 100 shops and restaurants. You will also find incredible local breweries, year-round festivals, music performances, and street entertainers here. Sip on a warm latte from a local cafe as you make your way from shop to shop, wandering through the captivating cobblestone streets covered in lights.
From there, head west to Waterfront Park. You can see breathtaking views of Lake Champlain—named after French Explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1609, and New York’s Adirondack Mountains in the back. Pay a visit to ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a nature and science museum with over 100 interactive exhibits and 70 species where you can learn more about the lake.
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Stowe
Downtown Stowe, Vermont, via redtea / iStock.com
Home to the iconic Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe is not only known as the “Ski Capital of the East “ but also has a picturesque, walkable downtown area explorable by foot. With quaint streets surrounding the foot of Mount Mansfield—the tallest mountain in Vermont, sitting at a peak of 1,339 metres, this New England village is particularly charming with its 19th-century buildings.
Capture some captivating photos of the Stowe Community Church, one of the oldest non-denominational churches in the US, founded in 1863. Enjoy a rich cup of gourmet hot chocolate as you indulge in premium truffles and shop for mouthwatering gifts at Lake Champlain Chocolates.
Discover how vibrant flower boxes perfectly line Main Street in the summer, or see how the white lights illuminate the winter path. If you head further east, you can visit the legendary Gold Brook Covered Bridge, constructed in 1844. This landmark is also known as “Emily’s Bridge” and has become famous for its reported supernatural sightings following the tale of a young woman’s ghost.
Brattleboro
Main Street in Brattleboro, Vermont. Editorial credit: Bob Korn / Shutterstock.com.
From Greek Revival to Victorian and Modernist buildings, Brattleboro has a fascinating mix of architectural styles. It is no surprise the Brattleboro Downtown Historic District, located by the Connecticut River, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
This beautiful town features unique landmarks like the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. Founded in 1972, the contemporary art museum was opened in the 1915-built Union Station and is the perfect place to see how Brattleboro perfectly combines its preserved history with a thriving arts scene. For a unique sensory experience, book a ticket to a concert in The Stone Church. This 140-year-old Victorian Gothic Church was transformed into a live music venue in 2017, hosting international artists while preserving its original character.
Explore the galleries, cafes, restaurants, and museums as you meander from shop to shop. Choose from a rich collection of books by progressive, original authors in Everyone’s Books. Plus, since Vermont is recognized for its award-winning cheese, stop by the community-owned Brattleboro Food Co-op to taste and pick up some delicious locally-made varieties.
Newport
View of the Newport Marina in the town of Newport, Vermont. Editorial credit: Erika J Mitchell / Shutterstock.com
On the southern shores of Lake Memphremagog lies Newport, the northernmost city in Vermont. This fascinating outdoor adventure destination also has a charming small-town vibe with an activity-packed downtown area.
See the stunning lake from Newport City Dock, the perfect place for a picnic, jog, or stroll. You can also rent a bike and cycle along the lake’s shores, exploring one of the Rail Trails—transportation corridors that connect the state’s towns with landscapes—up to the Quebec-Vermont border.
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Discover the Goodrich Memorial Library, the largest public library in Orleans County and a historic site that opened in 1899. The Haskell Free Library & Opera House is another unique attraction—a library spanning two countries! You can find French and English material across the Canada-US border, separated by a black line made from tape.
Manchester
Street view in Manchester, Vermont.
If you head further southwest, you will find Manchester. Nestled within the Green Mountains, at the foothills of Mount Equinox, this quaint town is not only known for its immense natural beauty, but also for its rich history and famed cultural attractions.
See the extraordinary exhibits at Hildene The Lincoln Family Home, built by Robert (the only son of former US President Abraham Lincoln) and his wife Mary in 1905. Head on a blast into the past as you explore the family home of the Lincolns, with its famous pipe organ, iconic Pullman car, incredible goat farm, and breathtaking gardens.
Dive into the history of pinball at the Pastime Pinball Museum arcade, where you will find 66 machines dating from the 1950s to today. Soak up the beauty of the town as you venture through the Manchester Designer Outlets, an outdoor mall known for its eateries, New England-style buildings, and brand-name items. Enjoy a scenic drive west to the Southern Vermont Arts Center, featuring art from both US and international artists across a diverse range of exhibits.
Montpelier
Farmers Market at State Street and Main in Montpelier, Vermont. Image credit Phill Truckle via Shutterstock
Dubbed the smallest capital city in the US with a population of roughly 8,000 people, Montpelier may be one of the most underrated destinations in America. This gorgeous green city has natural attractions like Hubbard Park, home to seven miles of scenic trails and a 54-foot stone observation tower, in addition to its notable historic buildings.
After nearly 160 years, the Vermont State House is one of America’s oldest state capitols. This Greek Revival site, with its legendary gold dome, is an architectural gem housing significant pieces of state art. Make sure you visit the legislative chambers and see the Governor’s Office here.
The Vermont History Museum holds interactive exhibits to teach visitors about the state’s past. Head on a fascinating journey from the 1600s to present-day Vermont with the Freedom and Unity: One Ideal, Many Stories exhibit, amongst others. From there, head slightly north to visit Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. You can try some of the finest maple products in the US and learn about the heritage of Vermont sugar-making on a family farm.
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Middlebury
Main Street in Middlebury, Vermont. By Alan Levine, Flickr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Every traveler is bound to fall in love with Middlebury. Between the gorgeous backdrops of the Green and Adirondack Mountains, the stunning views of the 18-foot Middlebury Falls from Otter Creek Bridge, and the lovely 18-mile TAM (Trail Around Middlebury) path surrounding the village, nature fanatics will have plenty to see.
Creatives will be happy to hear that the Middlebury College Museum of Art strives to create an inclusive environment with diversity in its collections. Six to eight temporary exhibits are offered per year in addition to their permanent artwork. See a variety of arts in the Edgewater Gallery, where you will find jewelry, photography, sculptures, paintings, and mixed media.
The Henry Sheldon Museum opened in 1884, is also filled with paintings, documents, household objects, furniture, and artifacts to give you a glimpse into Addison County and Vermont’s past. From there, shop until you drop as you venture through Mill Street, passing by Stone Mill Public Market with its gifts, home goods, drinks, snacks, and more.
Explore The Best Downtowns in Vermont
History buffs, nature fanatics, creatives, foodies, and shopaholics are bound to fall in love with The Green Mountain State. Between the interactive exhibits and legendary landmarks of Montpelier, the mountainous backdrops and tranquil trails of Middlebury, and the boutique shops and renowned eateries of Burlington, there is no shortage of adventures. Now is the time to get your journey started and start exploring one of the best downtowns in Vermont.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – The expected release of one of Vermont’s most notorious career criminals prompted immediate concerns in the community where he plans to live, but Vermont Corrections officials say Harley Breer’s release has now been delayed.
Breer has been in and out of jail since the late 1980s for a variety of crimes, including kidnapping, sexual assault and assault.
He has been in prison since his arrest following a five-day manhunt in April 2021. His minimum release date was Dec. 1, 2024, and Vermont’s Department of Corrections confirmed to WCAX News the state is preparing Breer for release. The news was first reported by freelance journalist Mike Donoghue.
But Wednesday morning, a Department of Corrections spokesperson told WCAX News that they are now delaying Breer’s release until at least next week. We don’t know why.
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Essex County State’s Attorney Vince Illuzzi told WCAX that Breer plans to live in the small town of Caanan, which borders New Hampshire and Canada.
The news prompted immediate community concern, especially since Canaan’s Police Department was disbanded in 2023. The town has a part-time contract for police services through the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, whose Guildhall office is about 45 minutes away from Caanan. Illuzzi says Caanan relies on U.S. Customs and Border Protection as their primary agency to respond to emergencies.
Illuzzi says he has contacted Vermont Corrections Commissioner Nick Deml asking him to reconsider Breer’s placement in Caanan.
“It’s a difficult place to put someone who has a record of being a career criminal. And we think that the commissioner should reverse that decision and locate Mr. Breer in an area where he would be close to the Department of Corrections office that will supervise him, and secondly, where there are adequate resources in the form of law enforcement and other supervisory agencies that can keep a close eye on Mr. Breer,” Illuzzi said.
Breer’s latest conviction came in May 2023 when The Times Argus reports Breer reached a plea agreement for charges connected to a 2021 manhunt. Police say Breer, who was on house arrest, escaped custody by removing his ankle monitor, assaulted a neighbor near his Marshfield home and went on the run. His charges were reduced, with a final deal having him serve four to 10 years on obstruction of justice convictions and up to 20 years on probation on an unlawful mischief conviction, according to the Times Argus. His sentence included credit for time served.
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The Times Argus reports part of Breer’s probation includes mandatory mental health, anger management and risk reduction programming.
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